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Winners of this year's Alumni Award of Distinction represent diverse cultures, career paths

VANCOUVER, B.C. -- A Coast Salish Elder and the executive chef at the Fairmont Pacific Rim are this year's recipients of the VCC Alumni Award of Distinction. Both are testament to VCC's broad range of programs.

Larry Grant is a recognized Musqueam language expert and adjunct professor as well as a journeyed tradesman and community volunteer. He graduated from the automotive program of VCC's predecessor - Vancouver Vocational Institute - in 1959. With roots in both the Musqueam and Chinatown communities, Grant is committed to community and lifelong education.

In his address, Grant urged the VCC graduates to be open to learning new things, even when the value of that knowledge isn't immediately apparent. All knowledge, he said, is a benefit in the long run and creates opportunity. "When that door opens, don't be afraid to move," he said.

This year's other recipient, David Wong, began his formal culinary education here, graduating from VCC's food and beverage management program in 1993. While his love of cooking was fostered early by his Asian family, he came to the industry only after a career as a counsellor for children.

Since culinary school, Wong has been actively involved in his industry as mentor and competitor. In 2005, he won a gold medal as part of Culinary Team Canada and in 2009, garnered a top-ten finish at the Bocuse d'Or. He has been executive chef at Fairmont Pacific Rim since its opening early last year.

In his address, he noted to the graduates, "Your passion starts with being exposed to the instructors and programs at Vancouver Community College. This is the most dedicated and inspirational group of chefs I could ever have met."

Since leaving VCC, Wong said he's hired more than 60 culinary students from this college. "The quality of students coming out of VCC is just fantastic."

The awards were presented at Friday's convocation ceremonies.

The Alumni Award of Distinction is given out annually to honour VCC graduates in recognition of outstanding achievement and community involvement.

Larry Grant (large photo) | David Wong (large photo)